Baltimoreans have always known that there are many wonderful neighborhoods scattered throughout the city — from Fells Point to Mount Vernon, Hampden and Bolton Hill. But who knew we weren't the only ones taking notice?
Recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Federal Hill is one of five winners of it's annual Great American Main Street Awards (GAMSA). According to GAMSA, the main street awards "celebrate communities that have transformed their older and historic downtowns and shopping districts into vibrant places to live, work, and play — without sacrificing what makes them special."

And what do they have to say about Federal Hill?
"This historic neighborhood is rapidly becoming the 'Hip Side of the Harbor'. Its popular street festivals like the Spring Block Party, the Jazz & Blues Festival, and the Street Beat Festival attract thousands of people by offering live music and activities for young and old alike. Unique boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and trendy bars give festival-goers reasons to come back and keep the district humming all hours of the day and night." Click here to read the entire article.

Another east coast winner we'd like to pay tribute to is the charming seaside town, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. A seasonal escape for many Baltimoreans, but a great place to call home year round. Congratulations to all the winners; we tip our hats to you!

(Images: 1: Linda Glisson via National Trust for Historic Preservation, 2: Laureen Miles Brunelli 3: Dabs via Virtual Tourist, 4: flickr member Ronnie R)

Comments (11)
I prefer Patterson Park. Or Hampden. Federal Hill is full of meatheads and jocks.
Charles Village, baby! Leely16 is right. Federal hill is a bunch of drunk meatheads longing for their frat days.
Federal Hill is definitely meathead central. Other neighborhoods know how to do festivals. Artscape, for one, would never happen in Fed. Hill.
Hampden is hipster central. It's Bmore's version of DC hoods such as U Street, Ledroit Park, Bloomington. Federal Hill is indeed full of Chads...think DC's Adams Morgan or Claredon/Courthouse in Arlington.
Mt. Vernon is most like Dupont Circle.
As a Hampdenite, I must say, I see more toothless rednecks and teenagers pushing baby carriages than hipsters...unless its the Saturday brunch shuffle on the Avenue.
That said, I love the Baltimore love on AT.
you are right about the mixture of residents in Hampden and the W 36th St brunch crowd .
Federal Hill is pretty, but I wouldn't necessarily want to live there.... considering moving to Reservoir Hill, actually. (The non-sketchy part, that is.) There are a lot of trees, which seems nice. Anyone else live there?
Rachel
Urban Discoveries Living
have to agree with everyone on here...especially about the odd mix in Hampden depending on the day/time.
Sometimes, walking up Falls Road (between 41st and the Avenue) is like walking into a scene from DAWN OF THE DEAD.
I'm considering a move to Waverly...that's where all my "hipster" friends actually live. The houses are massive (and cheap), the year-round farmers market is there, and its just plain lovely.
As an Ednor Gardens resident, I encourage you to buy in Waverly too frontiersperson! Love those old Victorians!
Thanks frontiersperson... as well as the rest that stay tuned for the Baltimore posts. You can usually find them on Thursday, and yes, I'm a Baltimorean! I encourage anyone out there with half-finished projects, annoying clutter, or a house in desperate need of a spring cleaning to sign-up for the AT Spring Cure. Baltimore has its own discussion board so we can all help with advice, inspiration, and motivation!